What can comic art about illness and health care offer patients and families as they navigate health challenges? This month on Ethics Talk, we discuss why comic art is a unique and powerful medium for communicating about difficult and emotional encounters with illness and health care.

Dr James Van Arsdall shares his experience of sitting for a portrait after his treatment for oral cancer, and Dr Mark Gilbert describes how he came to do portraiture in clinical settings. 

Dr Evguenia S. Popova joins Ethics Talk to discuss how collaborations between academic health centers and arts institutions can help students build their professional skills in empathic responsiveness and communication.

Dr Wendy A. Stewart joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article, coauthored with Dr Sophia Miao: “Songwriting and Youth Self-Concept."

Robin N. Richardson joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article, coauthored with Megan Hildebrandt and Joy Scanlon: “Activating Empathy Through Art in Cancer Communities.”

John Davies joins Ethics Talk to discuss his article, coauthored with Sue Ridge: "Art and Poetry in an NHS Hospital’s Elevator Bank."

Dr Andrew Scarpelli joins Ethics Talk to discuss what art students need to learn about biology, biotechnology, and biodesign.

Timothy Nicholas joins Ethics Talk to discuss his article, coauthored with Drs Lisa Rainsong and Erin Gentry Lamb: “Using Music to Teach Health Professions Students to Listen Closely and Promote Peace.”

Dr Sana Loue joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article, coauthored with Jared Ontko and Timothy Nicholas: “Government Obligations and the Negative Right to a Healthy Urban Environment.”

Dr Patricia Luck joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article, coauthored with Arman M. Niknafs: “Reasons Not to Turf a Patient Whose ‘Belonging’ in a Hospital Is Unclear.”